Flying Foxes at Centennial Parklands

Centennial Parklands is home to Sydney’s largest Flying-fox colony! Large numbers of Grey-headed Flying-foxes, also known as fruit bats, have been roosting within Lachlan Swamp in Centennial Parklands since early 2010. Every night around sunset they fly out of the swamp in huge numbers to feed on nectar, blossom and fruit, and in return pollinate the plants they visit.

Explore the features of these flying mammals with their specially adapted wings, sense of smell and nocturnal behaviours. Discover their habitat at Centennial Parklands and their role in pollination and ecosystem health.

Curriculum Links

Stage 1 Science and Technology

Describes observable features of living things and their environments - ST1-4LW-S

Inquiry questions

What are the external features of flying foxes?
Where do flying foxes live and how does the environment meet their needs?

Stage 2 Science and Technology

Questions, plans and conducts scientific investigations, collects and summarises data and communicates using scientific representations - ST2-1WS-S
Compares features and characteristics of living and non-living things - ST2-4LW-S

Inquiry questions

What are the external features of flying foxes?
How do flying foxes depend on the environment to survive?

Stage 3 Science and Technology

Living world

Plans and conducts scientific investigations to answer testable questions, and collects and summarises data to communicate conclusions - ST3-1WS-S
Examines how the environment affects the growth, survival and adaptation of living things - ST3-4LW-S

Inquiry questions

How do the structural and behavioural features of flying foxes support their survival?
How do the physical conditions affect the survival of flying foxes?
How do flying foxes contribute to biodiversity and the health of ecosystems?